Your Water Heater is Leaking: Tips for Prevention

Are you the type of person that has to have a warm shower at the beginning of each day? What would you do if you got up one morning to shower and noticed that there was no hot water? When you check for the reason, you suddenly discover your hot water heater leaking. There is a puddle on your utility room floor almost big enough to swim in! What would you do?

Roto-Rooter is a plumbing company that is used to getting calls from customers who are having plumbing crises. Many are frantic when they call because their homes are being flooded or they have stinky water in their yards because their septic tanks are overflowing. We know just what to do, though. We are your friends in the plumbing business.

A water tank style water heater is a durable appliance that will last for at least 10 years if properly maintained. The average lifespan is 11 years. It just keeps on working day and night without you even really knowing it is there doing its job. The only time you realize it is present is if it stops working. Unfortunately, neglecting a few basic maintenance checks each year can cause a major problem in the long term. To prolong your water heater’s life and avoid having a surprise flood, here are a few basic tips on heater maintenance.

Flush your water heater tank every few years. Build-up of sediment and hard water deposits can reduce the efficiency of your system. Flushing your water heater is not difficult, but call Roto-Rooter if you find yourself having trouble with it.

Change the anode rod in your tank when you perform the flushing. This rod helps reduce the corrosion that takes place in your tank.

Keep your hot water heater clean and protected. Cover it with a special insulated blanket to increase its efficiency. Be sure to secure it to the nearest wall in the event of a natural disaster.

Check the top vents to make sure they are free of obstructions.

Even with a regular maintenance schedule, a water heater is a mechanical device that will eventually age and wear-out. When you notice your water heater leaking and it is quite old, realize that it is probably time for a new one. Your local Roto-Rooter technician will advise you what kind would work best for your home’s needs. He or she will assist in installing a new heater that will fit well into your budget and will supply an adequate amount of hot water to meet your expectations.